Listen: As Kids Head Back to School, Parents Sort Out Confusion Over Vaccine Access

By Jackie Fortiér

September 2, 2025

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<br /> <span class="byline"><br /> By <a href="https://californiahealthline.org/news/author/jackie-fortier/"><strong>Jackie Fortiér</strong></a> </span></p> <p>LISTEN: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-for-children/php/awardees/current-cdc-vaccine-price-list.html">Measles. Chickenpox. Meningitis.</a> Many vaccines can run more than $100 a dose out-of-pocket. Jackie Fortiér tells WAMU’s “Health Hub” how Trump administration changes to the federal vaccine guidelines could make some routine shots too expensive for families.</p> <p>Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist, replaced the members of a federal vaccine advisory committee in June. The committee plays an important role in recommending vaccines, and its guidance influences the coverage decisions insurance companies make.</p> <p>KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér appeared on WAMU’s “Health Hub” on Aug. 27 to explain why <a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/pediatric-vaccinations-rush-medicaid-coverage-loss/">confusion over federal immunization policy</a> has left parents and pediatricians uncertain about future access to childhood immunizations, especially for those on Medicaid.</p> <p><a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/about-us">KFF Health News</a> is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about <a href="https://www.kff.org/about-us/">KFF</a>.</p> <h3>USE OUR CONTENT</h3> <p>This story can be republished for free (<a href="https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/hospitals-insurers-contract-dispute-patients-coverage-in-limbo/view/republish/">details</a>).</p> <p>
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